Pursuant to its authority under M.G.L. c. 69, § 1B, and in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, M.G.L. c. 30A, § 3, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (Board) is soliciting public comment on a new regulation, 603 CMR 56.00, Addressing Regulatory Timelines Due to COVID-19 State of Emergency .
The regulation was adopted by the Board on March 31, 2020 as an emergency regulation. Emergency adoption of the regulation was necessary in light of Governor Baker's March 10, 2020 declaration of a state of emergency due to COVID-19 and subsequent executive orders affecting public and private elementary and secondary schools in the Commonwealth. The emergency regulation will be in effect for up to three months, during which time the Board invites public comment. After the public comment is reviewed, the Board plans to vote on the permanent regulation at its meeting on June 30, 2020.
The regulation is necessary to permit the Commissioner to suspend, extend, or waive any timeline or due date in 603 CMR 1.00 through 55.00, for good cause and to the extent permitted by state and federal law. Such actions by the Commissioner may remain in effect until 45 days after the termination of the Governor's declaration of a state of emergency, or such further time as specified by the Commissioner, but in no case longer than 90 days beyond the termination of the state of emergency.
The regulation is available on the Department's website, or by calling 781-338-3429. Written comments on the regulation may be submitted by mail to: Mary E. Morales, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148; by fax to: 781-338-3390; or by e-mail to: mary.e.morales@mass.gov . The deadline for submission of public comment is May 29, 2020. The Board is expected to vote on the proposed permanent regulation at its regular monthly meeting scheduled for June 30, 2020.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
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